In a landmark acquisition, Australian Bloodstock secures the gifted stayer Vauban, shifting his racing career to Australia under the expert guidance of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, aiming for Melbourne Cup glory.
In a significant move that heralds a new chapter for the talented Irish stayer Vauban, Australian Bloodstock has acquired his services in a prominent transaction, partnering with the acclaimed training duo of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. This agreement, valued at a considerable $2 million AUD, marks Vauban's departure from the distinguished care of Willie Mullins as he prepares to begin a new journey in Australia, a nation renowned for attracting elite international stayers.
After previously attracting attention for his brave yet ultimately disappointing efforts in the Melbourne Cup, Vauban is now set to redirect his focus towards a potential autumn campaign, leading up to a third attempt at Australia's premier race. Although he had lackluster performances in the last two editions of the Melbourne Cup—placing 14th in 2023 and 11th in 2024—the seven-year-old possesses the lineage and form necessary to make a comeback. In his latest race, he secured a second-place finish behind the elite Kyprios in the Group 1 Irish St Leger at The Curragh, showcasing his remarkable staying power over 2800 meters and reinforcing his status as a formidable contender.
On Wednesday, Jamie Lovett of Australian Bloodstock announced the completion of the deal, marking a definitive change in Vauban’s racing path. Rather than returning to Ireland for a hurdles campaign with Mullins, Vauban will take a well-deserved summer break in New South Wales before moving to the stable of Waterhouse and Bott. This decision is part of a long-term plan aimed at gearing the horse up for future competitions, especially focusing on a third attempt at the Melbourne Cup, a prestigious race that remains a target for him yet to be achieved.
Vauban has shown remarkable form throughout his 21 career races, securing eight wins, which indicates his exceptional quality as a horse. Notably, he has claimed three of those victories over hurdles in the UK, showcasing his versatility in different aspects of the sport. Yet, it is his unwavering stamina and capability to sustain form over extended distances that distinguish him, making him an ideal contender for the challenging autumn and spring carnivals of Australian racing.
For Waterhouse and Bott, this purchase represents more than simply an addition to their stable with a skilled stayer—it is a chance to fine-tune and focus on Vauban’s strengths, aiming for optimal performance at the right moment. Their training expertise, paired with Vauban’s natural talent, has the potential to significantly alter the trajectory of this promising stayer's career in Australia, reinvigorating his chances for success in the Melbourne Cup.
